Our Kiva Loans in Nicaragua

A while back we wrote about how we chose to “give back” in Nicaragua. We signed on at Kiva.org and participated in lending small loans to people in Nicaragua who live in poverty and have no access to traditional banking services. This is microfinance. Kiva is a non-profit organization that allows one to lend as little as $25 to help individuals in developing nations finance their small businesses and improve their living conditions. These loans were to assist those living in poverty to buy the tools and supplies for businesses or housing needs to enable them to earn a living wage to feed and clothe their families.

One of the nicest things is to receive back is an email from Kiva saying “You’ve received a repayment… ” It’s a small payment back from the person or group of persons in Nicaragua on the micro-finance loan we made to them through Kiva’s partners. What this indicates is that the person who received the loan through Kiva to help with their small businesses and housing needs has had some success. Enough success that they can begin paying back their loans. Now that’s a good thing. It indicates that these small loans are helping people. It tells us, the recipient has had enough success in order to pay back. Furthermore, we can then “lend” the money to other people in need to assist them. It’s a “circle” that continually grows and expands. It works.

You too can sign up at Kiva and make a loan to help someone living in poverty, in Nicaragua or any other nation you choose. Just go to Kiva.org. Your loan of a minimum of $25 or more will mean the world to the recipient.